SYDNEY – 8 September, 2006 – ManufactureLink, Australia’s premier online sourcing network for custom manufacturing, today announced the release of collaboration tools to further enhance its online sourcing system for custom manufacturing services.
ManufactureLink’s new collaboration module provides engineers and designers with the ability to create web-based dialogues specific to their manufacturing needs. Each collaborative discussion forum is affiliated with a particular Request For Quote (RFQ) lodged on ManufactureLink’s sourcing system. Engineers and sourcing professionals can use this tool to seek design-for-manufacture input from suppliers, to discuss solutions to their manufacturing challenges, or to explore the breakdown of a larger project into smaller segments. Each dedicated forum allows users to post messages and upload files to be shared, specific to that RFQ.
When combined with ManufactureLink’s other functionality, such as enabling buyers to select the manufacturing capabilities required, or to lodge RFQs by special invite, this collaboration module becomes a powerful tool for users; it allows designers and engineers to locate the Australian manufacturers with the expertise they need, to invite those suppliers to collaborate with them online, and provides a dedicated online platform for all parties to collaborate.
George Pofandt, Managing Director of ManufactureLink said, “These new tools are particularly effective because they allow buyers to first locate manufacturers with whom they wish to collaborate, and then to carry out that collaboration in a dedicated online environment. Our system becomes a ‘one-stop-shop’ for sourcing collaborative manufacturing solutions and the right suppliers for the job. These new tools also give users complete control over which companies are involved in the exchange of their valuable data and ideas.”
ManufactureLink’s online collaboration tools also help engineers, designers and manufacturers to overcome geographic barriers. Buyers can exchange ideas with, and seek solutions from Australian manufacturers located anywhere in Australia, without the expense of travel or conferencing equipment. Collaborating online is a far more cost-effective and efficient means for discussion of engineering solutions when geographic distances are large.
Industry initiatives such as the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Action Agenda have highlighted the need for better collaboration between Australian manufacturers, in order for the industry to remain competitive globally. ManufactureLink’s new collaboration module helps to achieve this goal by facilitating collaboration between manufacturers. Suppliers are then able to increase their capacity, and to take on manufacturing contracts from both domestic and overseas buyers, for which they have neither the expertise nor the capacity in-house.
ManufactureLink has hundreds of registered manufacturers, covering almost any manufacturing process imaginable, and the system is free for buyers to use. The addition of these new collaboration tools ensures that by connecting buyers with suppliers of custom manufacturing, and further facilitating the sourcing process, ManufactureLink remains Australia’s most powerful tool for sourcing custom manufacturing services.
About ManufactureLink
ManufactureLink’s mission is to provide world-class online services to fill real needs of the Australian manufacturing industry. Launched in May, 2006, ManufactureLink provides the technology to connect buyers with suppliers of custom manufacturing services. Our fully automated technology facilitates the complete Request For Quote (RFQ) process, while requiring no special software or training. Our buyers are engineers, purchasing officers and managers who need to source custom manufacturing services. Our more than 200 suppliers are machine shops, jobbing shops, casting foundries, fabricators, toolmakers, moulders and any manufacturer who provides manufacturing services on a job-by-job basis. Buyers can quickly submit RFQs by completing an online quote submission form, uploading drawings and specifications, selecting the required manufacturing processes and submitting the RFQ to the system. Suppliers having the required manufacturing services are notified by email of an opportunity to quote. Buyers receive competitive quotes from multiple manufacturers and are provided with tools to make informed decisions in choosing a supplier with the right experience, capabilities, accreditations, past ratings and reputation. By compressing the entire RFQ process from weeks to just days, ManufactureLink.com.au provides a ‘win-win’ solution for both buyers and suppliers, and improves their bottom line.
Contact
George Pofandt
Managing Director
Ph: (02) 9605 7655
Fax: (02) 9882 0975
Mob: 0411098685
www.manufacturelink.com.au
Email: gpofandt@manufacturelink.com.au
